Update on Patellar Instability.

Patellar instability is a multifactorial clinical condition that affects a significant number of patients and occurs due to morphological variations of the joint and patellofemoral alignment. The present literature review study aimed to identify and summarize current concepts on patellar instability, in relation to associated risk factors, diagnostic criteria, and the benefits and risks of conservative and surgical treatments. For this purpose, a search was conducted in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE (via Pubmed), LILACS and Cochrane Library. It is concluded that the accurate diagnosis depends on the detailed clinical evaluation, including the history and possible individual risk factors, as well as imaging exams. The initial treatment of patellar instability is still controversial, and requires the combination of conservative and surgical interventions, taking into consideration both soft tissues and bone structures, the latter being the most common reason for choosing surgical treatment, especially lateral patellar instability.

Update on Patellar Instability / Atualização em instabilidade patelar

Abstract Patellar instability is a multifactorial clinical condition that affects a significant number of patients and occurs due to morphological variations of the joint and patellofemoral alignment. The present literature review study aimed to identify and summarize current concepts on patellar instability, in relation to associated risk factors, diagnostic criteria, and the benefits and risks of conservative and surgical treatments. For this purpose, a search was conducted in the following electronic databases: MEDLINE (via Pubmed), LILACS and Cochrane Library. It is concluded that the accurate diagnosis depends on the detailed clinical evaluation, including the history and possible individual risk factors, as well as imaging exams. The initial treatment of patellar instability is still controversial, and requires the combination of conservative and surgical interventions, taking into consideration both soft tissues and bone structures, the latter being the most common reason for choosing surgical treatment, especially lateral patellar instability.

Resumo A instabilidade patelar é uma condição clínica multifatorial, que acomete um número expressivo de pacientes, ocorrendo devido a variações anatómicas, morfológicas da articulação e do alinhamento patelofemoral. O presente estudo de revisão e atualização da literatura teve como objetivos identificar e sumarizar os conceitos atuais sobre instabilidade patelar em relação aos fatores de risco associados, os critérios diagnósticos e os benefícios e riscos dos tratamentos conservador e cirúrgico. Para tanto, foi realizado um levantamento nas bases de dados eletrónicas MEDLINE (via Pubmed), LILACS e Cochrane Library. Conclui-se que o diagnóstico preciso depende da avaliação clínica detalhada, incluindo o histórico e possíveis fatores de risco individuais, além de exames de imagem. O tratamento inicial da instabilidade patelar é ainda controverso, e requer a combinação de intervenções conservadoras e cirúrgicas, levando em consideração tanto os tecidos moles quanto as estruturas ósseas, sendo estas últimas a razão mais comum para a escolha do tratamento cirúrgico, principalmente instabilidade patelar lateral.

Double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: No differences between two types of autografts in isolated or combined lesions.

BACKGROUND: To demonstrate and compare results obtained with the transtibial double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction technique using two types of autografts in isolated and combined PCL lesions. METHODS: Fifty-two patients with isolated or combined PCL injuries underwent double-bundle PCL reconstruction and were retrospectively evaluated. Among them, 34 were reconstructed using ipsilateral quadriceps and semitendinosus tendon grafts, and 18 were reconstructed using bilateral hamstring tendon grafts. The criteria for outcome evaluation were: objective International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, posterior stability (posterior drawer test and KT-1000TM), and rate of complications, comparing the two types of grafts and comparing isolated PCL and combined lesions. The minimum follow-up was two years. RESULTS: Significant improvements were found in all evaluation methods between the pre- and postoperative periods (all P < .05), with no observed differences between the graft type that was used (all P > .05). The whole sample had the following results: objective IKDC score, 96.2% classified as A/B; Lysholm score, 98.1% rated as good or excellent; and KT-1000, 98.1% with a side-to-side difference of up to five millimeters (65.4% with 0 to two millimeters). The complication rate was 9.6%, with no differences between the graft type that was used (P = .585). No significant difference was observed when comparing the results between isolated PCL injuries and combined injuries (all P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed PCL reconstruction technique presented satisfactory results in both isolated and combined PCL lesions, and there were no differences between different types of autografts used. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

TRANSTIBIAL VERSUS ANTEROMEDIAL PORTAL TECHNIQUES IN ACL RECONSTRUCTION / TÉCNICA TRANSTIBIAL VERSUS TRANSPORTAL MEDIAL NA RECONSTRUÇÃO DO LCA / TÉCNICA TRANSTIBIAL VERSUS TRANSPORTAL EN RECONSTRUCCIÓN DEL LCA

Abstract Introduction: Although the results of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are well documented in many studies, with good to excellent outcomes in most cases, some issues like tunnel positioning are still discussed and studied. Objective: To compare the objective and subjective clinical outcomes of ACL reconstruction using the transtibial and anteromedial portal techniques. Methods: Prospective randomized study of 80 patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by the same surgeon, with 40 patients operated by the transtibial technique and 40 by anteromedial portal technique. The patients, 34 in the transtibial group and 37 in the anteromedial portal group (nine dropouts), were reassessed during a 2-year follow-up period. The clinical assessment consisted of physical examination, KT-1000TM evaluation, Lysholm score, and objective and subjective International Knee Documentation Committee - IKDC scores. Results: Regarding the Lachman and pivot shift tests, we observed more cases of instability in the transtibial group, but with no statistical significance (p=0.300 and p=0.634, respectively). Regarding the anterior drawer test, the groups presented similar results (p=0.977). Regarding KT-1000TM evaluation, the mean results were 1.44 for the transtibial group and 1.23 for the anteromedial portal group, with no statistical significance (p=0.548). We separated the objective IKDC scores into two groups: Group 1, IKDC A, and Group 2, IKDC B, C, or D, with no statistical significance (p=0.208). Concerning the Lysholm score, the transtibial group had a mean score of 91.32, and the anteromedial portal group had a mean score of 92.81. The mean subjective IKDC scores were 90.65 for the transtibial group and 92.65 for the anteromedial portal group. Three re-ruptures were encountered in the transtibial group and three in the anteromedial portal group. Conclusions: There were no significant differences in the subjective and objective clinical assessments among patients submitted to anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the transtibial or anteromedial portal techniques.

RESUMO Introdução: Embora a reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) proporcione resultados clínicos bons e excelentes na maioria dos estudos, algumas questões ainda são discutidas e estudadas, como o posicionamento dos túneis. Objetivo: Comparar os resultados clínicos objetivos e subjetivos da reconstrução do LCA entre duas técnicas, a transtibial e a transportal medial. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo e randomizado de 80 pacientes submetidos à reconstrução do LCA pelo mesmo cirurgião, com 40 pacientes operados pela técnica transtibial e 40 pela técnica transportal medial. Ocorreram nove desistências, sendo 34 pacientes do grupo transtibial e 37 do grupo transportal medial, reavaliados durante dois anos de seguimento. A avaliação utilizou exame físico, avaliação com KT-1000TM, escores de Lysholm e (International Knee Documentation Committee) - IKDC (objetivo e subjetivo). Resultados: Nos testes de Lachman e pivot shift, foram observados mais casos de instabilidade no grupo transtibial, porém sem significância estatística (p = 0,300 e p = 0,634, respectivamente). Em relação ao teste de "gaveta anterior", os resultados foram semelhantes (p = 0,977). A avaliação com KT-1000TM apresentou resultado médio de 1,44 no grupo transtibial e 1,23 no grupo transportal medial, sem diferença estatística (p = 0,548). Os resultados do IKDC objetivo foram separados em 2 grupos: Grupo 1, pacientes com IKDC A e grupo 2, pacientes com IKDC B, C ou D, sem diferença estatisticamente significante (p = 0,208). Em relação ao escore de Lysholm, o grupo transtibial teve uma pontuação média de 91,32 e o grupo transportal medial teve 92,81. O escore médio do IKDC subjetivo foi de 90,65 no grupo transtibial e de 92,65 no grupo transportal medial. Três rerrupturas foram encontradas no grupo transtibial e três no grupo transportal medial. Conclusões: Não foram encontradas diferenças com significância estatística nas avaliações objetivas e subjetivas, ao comparar pacientes submetidos à reconstrução do LCA pelas técnicas transtibial e transportal medial.

RESUMEN Introducción: Aunque los resultados del ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) están bien documentados en numerosos estudios, con buenos a excelentes resultados en la mayoría de los casos, algunos temas como el posicionamiento del túnel todavía son discutidos y estudiados. Objetivo: Comparar los resultados clínicos objetivos y subjetivos de la reconstrucción del LCA utilizando la técnica transtibial y la técnica transportal. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo aleatorizado de 80 pacientes sometidos a reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior por el mismo cirujano, con 40 pacientes operados mediante la técnica transtibial y 40 mediante técnica transportal. Hubo nueve pérdidas y 34 pacientes del grupo transtibial y 37 en del grupo transportal fueron re-evaluados durante un período de seguimiento de 2 años. La evaluación clínica consistió en examen físico, evaluación KT-1000TM, puntuaciones de Lysholm e (International Knee Documentation Committee) - IKDC objetiva y subjetiva. Resultados: En cuanto a la prueba de Lachman y la prueba de pivot shift, hemos observado más casos de inestabilidad en el grupo transtibial, pero sin significación estadística (p = 0,300 y p = 0,634, respectivamente). En cuanto a la prueba del cajón anterior, los grupos presentaron resultados similares (p = 0,977). En cuanto a la evaluación con KT-1000TM, los resultados promedio fueron de 1,44 para el grupo transtibial y 1,23 para el grupo transportal, sin significación estadística (p = 0,548). Separamos las puntuaciones IKDC objetivo en dos grupos: Grupo 1, pacientes con IKDC Ay Grupo 2, pacientes con IKDC B, C o D, sin significación estadística (p = 0,208). En lo que respecta a la puntuación de Lysholm, el grupo transtibial tenía puntuación media de 91,32 y el grupo transportal tuvo puntuación media de 92,81. Las puntuaciones medias de IKDC subjetivo fueron 90,65 para el grupo transtibial y 92,65 para el grupo transportal. Tres re-roturas fueron encontradas en el grupo transtibial y tres en el grupo transportal. Conclusiones: No hubo diferencias significativas en las evaluaciones clínicas subjetivas y objetivas entre los pacientes sometidos a la reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior utilizando las técnicas transtibial y transportal.

Tratamento de infecção após artroplastia total de joelho / Treatment of infection after total knee arthroplasty

Objetivos: Comparar as taxas de sucesso das modalidadesterapêuticas utilizadas no tratamento de infecções associadas aartroplastia total de joelho (ATJ), e avaliar o desfecho funcionale de dor nas modalidades por meio de escores de qualidadede vida. Métodos: Avaliamos todos os indivíduos que desenvolveraminfecção após ATJ em nosso serviço, entre 1º de janeirode 2008 e 31 de dezembro de 2010. Resultados: Neste período,29 pacientes com ATJ tiveram infecção, e 12 deles foram submetidosa desbridamento e retenção da prótese (D+R), sete acirurgia de troca da prótese em dois estágios, seis a cirurgia emum estágio, e quatro receberam terapia antibiótica supressivapor não poderem ser submetidos a nova cirurgia. Conclusão: Astaxas de sucesso de D+R, da revisão em um, e em dois está-gios foi de 75%, 83,3% e 100%, respectivamente. Os melhoresresultados referente à qualidade de vida e função ocorreramnos pacientes submetidos a D+R. Em contraste, os piores resultadosforam observados em pacientes tratados com cirurgiade revisão em dois estágios. Nível de Evidência II, EstudosPrognósticos- Investigação do Efeito de Característica deum Paciente Sobre o Desfecho da Doença.

Objectives: To identify and compare the rate of success of therapeuticmodalities applied in surgeries for the treatment of infectionsassociated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and to evaluate thefunctional outcome and pain in different therapeutic modalities bymeans of quality of life scores. Methods: We evaluated all patientswho developed periprosthetic infection after TKA for primary orsecondary osteoarthritis, in the period from January 1st, 2008 toDecember 31st, 2010. Results: In the study period, 29 patients withTKA had infection, and 12 of these underwent debridement andretention of the prosthesis (D+R), seven received two-stage and sixone-stage exchange arthroplasties, and four patients were treatedwith suppressive antibiotic therapy because they could not undergoanother surgical procedure. Conclusion: The D+R , one-stagerevision and two-stage revision success rates were 75%, 83.3%,and 100%, respectively. The best results of quality of life (QoL) andfunction occur in patients undergoing D+R. In contrast, the worstQoL and functional results were obtained in patients treated withtwo-stage revision arthroplasty. Level of Evidence II, PrognosticStudies - Investigating the Effect of a Patient Characteristicon the Outcome of Disease.

Total knee arthroplasty with mobile tibial weight-bearing: clinical evaluation after a minimum of five years of postoperative follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the medium and long term results from total knee arthroplasty with rotating tibial weight-bearing. METHODS: Between January 2000 and July 2007, 162 patients underwent total knee arthroplasty with mobile tibial weight-bearing. Among these, 96 were evaluated in a previous study with a mean follow-up of 4 years. In the present study, the same group was invited back for reassessment and the results were analyzed. Sixty-nine patients responded to this call (79 knees), and they were evaluated in accordance with the Knee Society Rating System (KSRS), after a mean follow-up of 8 years and 8 months (ranging from 5.5 and 13 years). RESULTS: A mean KSRS score of 74.41 points was obtained, with good or excellent results. CONCLUSION: The medium and long-term results from total knee arthroplasty with mobile tibial weight-bearing were good, and a mean score of 74.41 points in the Knee Society Clinical Rating System was attained.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados, em médio e longo prazo, das artroplastias totais de joelho com apoio tibial rotatório. MÉTODOS: De janeiro de 2000 a julho de 2007, 162 pacientes foram submetidos à artroplastia total do joelho com apoio tibial móvel. Desses, 96 foram avaliados em um estudo prévio com tempo de seguimento médio de quatro anos. No atual trabalho, esse mesmo grupo foi convocado para reavaliação e os resultados foram analisados. Responderam à atual convocação 69 pacientes (79 joelhos), que foram avaliados conforme o Knee Society Rating System (KSRS), após seguimento médio de oito anos e oito meses (variação entre 5,5 e 13 anos). RESULTADOS: Foi obtida pontuação média de 74,41 pontos no KSRS, com 78,7% de resultados bons ou excelentes. CONCLUSÃO: A artroplastia total do joelho com apoio tibial móvel obteve bons resultados em médio e longo prazo e atingiu a média de 74,41 pontos no Knee Society Clinical Rating System.

Artroplastia total do joelho com o apoio tibial móvel: avaliação clínica após seguimento mínimo de cinco anos de pós-operatório / Total knee arthroplasty with mobile tibial weight-bearing: clinical evaluation after a minimum of five years of postoperative follow-up

OBJETIVO:Avaliar os resultados, em médio e longo prazo, das artroplastias totais de joelho com apoio tibial rotatório.MÉTODOS:De janeiro de 2000 a julho de 2007, 162 pacientes foram submetidos à artroplastia total do joelho com apoio tibial móvel. Desses, 96 foram avaliados em um estudo prévio com tempo de seguimento médio de quatro anos. No atual trabalho, esse mesmo grupo foi convocado para reavaliação e os resultados foram analisados. Responderam à atual convocação 69 pacientes (79 joelhos), que foram avaliados conforme o Knee Society Rating System (KSRS), após seguimento médio de oito anos e oito meses (variação entre 5,5 e 13 anos).RESULTADOS:Foi obtida pontuação média de 74,41 pontos no KSRS, com 78,7% de resultados bons ou excelentes.CONCLUSÃO:A artroplastia total do joelho com apoio tibial móvel obteve bons resultados em médio e longo prazo e atingiu a média de 74,41 pontos no Knee Society Clinical Rating System.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the medium and long term results from total knee arthroplasty with rotating tibial weight-bearing. METHODS: Between January 2000 and July 2007, 162 patients underwent total knee arthroplasty with mobile tibial weight-bearing. Among these, 96 were evaluated in a previous study with a mean follow-up of 4 years. In the present study, the same group was invited back for reassessment and the results were analyzed. Sixty-nine patients responded to this call (79 knees), and they were evaluated in accordance with the Knee Society Rating System (KSRS), after a mean follow-up of 8 years and 8 months (ranging from 5.5 and 13 years). RESULTS: A mean KSRS score of 74.41 points was obtained, with good or excellent results. CONCLUSION: The medium and long-term results from total knee arthroplasty with mobile tibial weight-bearing were good, and a mean score of 74.41 points in the Knee Society Clinical Rating System was attained.

TREATMENT OF INFECTION AFTER TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY.

OBJECTIVES: To identify and compare the rate of success of therapeutic modalities applied in surgeries for the treatment of infections associated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and to evaluate the functional outcome and pain in different therapeutic modalities by means of quality of life scores. METHODS: We evaluated all patients who developed periprosthetic infection after TKA for primary or secondary osteoarthritis, in the period from January 1(st), 2008 to December 31(st), 2010. RESULTS: In the study period, 29 patients with TKA had infection, and 12 of these underwent debridement and retention of the prosthesis (D+R), seven received two-stage and six one-stage exchange arthroplasties, and four patients were treated with suppressive antibiotic therapy because they could not undergo another surgical procedure. CONCLUSION: The D+R, one-stage revision and two-stage revision success rates were 75%, 83.3%, and 100%, respectively. The best results of quality of life (QoL) and function occur in patients undergoing D+R. In contrast, the worst QoL and functional results were obtained in patients treated with two-stage revision arthroplasty. Level of Evidence II, Prognostic Studies - Investigating the Effect of a Patient Characteristic on the Outcome of Disease.

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a new cortical suspension device for femoral fixation with transtibial and transportal techniques.

BACKGROUND: In the field of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, there is still no consensus regarding the proper fixation method and position of the tunnels. The primary objective of this paper was to describe a new fixation device, the Endo Tunnel Device (ETD®), for both techniques (transtibial and transportal), as well as the associated difficulties and the intraoperative and postoperative intercurrences. The secondary objective was to describe a preliminary clinical evaluation (6 months of follow-up) comparing these techniques. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized study involving 80 patients with ACL reconstructions using the ETD® for femoral fixation. Forty patients underwent the transtibial technique, and 40 patients underwent the transportal technique. Patients were evaluated by radiography, physical examination, the KT1000 arthrometer, and Lysholm and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. RESULTS: There were more intraoperative intercurrences in the transportal group (soft tissue device fixation, short femoral tunnel, and short graft inside the tunnel). The IKDC scores were significantly better in the transportal group. CONCLUSIONS: The ETD® was demonstrated to be a safe femoral fixation device in this trial; its use in both the transtibial and transportal techniques is technically simple and is associated with few intra- or postoperative complications.

Medial patellofemoral ligament anatomy: is it a predisposing factor for lateral patellar dislocation?

PURPOSE: Because the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the primary restraint to lateral dislocation of the patella, we aimed, in this controlled study, to verify whether the MPFL with different measurements could be considered another predisposing factor for patellar dislocation. METHODS: A group of 100 consecutive individuals without the criteria for patellar dislocation (trochlear dysplasia, patella alta and lateral patellar tilt) was recruited as a control group and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study and another group of 50 patients with patellar instability. Femoral condyles, interepicondylar distance, length and thickness of the MPFL were measured. RESULTS: In the control group, the MPFL was 38-60 mm long. Individuals with patellar instability who had no episode of patellar dislocation had a 4.11-mm longer ligament than controls (p = 0.032), while patients with instability with a previous history of dislocation had a 13.54-mm longer MPFL than controls (p < 0.001). Thickness of the MPFL at the patellar insertion was lower in individuals with patellar instability with a history of dislocation (p < 0.001). An instability coefficient (IC) less than 1.3 indicates that the MPFL is insufficient. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with patellar instability and previous patellar dislocation present with longer MPFL when compared to controls, and an associated IC less than 1.3 can be considered a predisposing factor for patellar dislocation. Treatment of patellar instability is a challenge, and it is difficult to identify what is the predisposing factor. This study has verified the measurements of the MPFL for the first time and presents values of thickness and length that can be considered as indications for surgical reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Double-bundle PCL reconstruction using autogenous quadriceps tendon and semitendinous graft: surgical technique with 2-year follow-up clinical results.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the results obtained from posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction with the double femoral tunnel technique, using quadriceps tendon and semitendinous autograft, in patients with isolated PCL tears or PCL tears associated with other ligament lesions, 2 years after surgery. METHODS: The study included 14 patients with isolated PCL lesions and 20 with combined ligament lesions, who underwent PCL reconstruction using the double femoral tunnel technique and were evaluated 24 months after surgery using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scores, a KT-1000 arthrometer, and the graduation of the posterior drawer test. RESULTS: Knees were considered normal ("A") or nearly normal ("B") in 92.9% of patients with isolated lesions and in 95.0% of patients with combined tears, according to the IKDC score. Good or excellent results were obtained in 100% of patients in both groups according to the Lysholm score. Absence or outstanding reduction of posterior tibial translation was seen in 92.9% of patients with isolated lesions and in 100% of patients with combined ligament tears, in the posterior drawer evaluation. CONCLUSION: The PCL double femoral tunnel reconstruction technique using autografts was effective in restoring posterior knee stability, in isolated and/or combined PCL tears, showing remarkable clinical improvement in all patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2C.

Reconstrução do ligamento cruzado posterior com enxerto autólogo do tendão do músculo semitendinoso duplo e do terço médio do tendão do quadríceps em duplo túnel no fêmur e único na tíbia: resultados clínicos em dois anos de seguimento / Posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with autograft of the double semitendinosus muscles and middle third of the quadriceps tendon with double femoral and single tibial tunnels: clinical results in two years follow up

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os aspectos cirúrgicos que possam oferecer bons resultados anatômicos e funcionais na reconstrução do ligamento cruzado posterior (LCP) utilizando enxerto autólogo do tendão do quadríceps e duplo semitendinoso através de um túnel femoral duplo. MÉTODOS: Quatorze pacientes com lesões isoladas do LCP, instabilidade e dor foram operados por artroscopia e avaliados de acordo com as escalas do International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) e de Lysholm. A lassidão foi examinada com o artrômetro KT 1000. RESULTADOS: Na avaliação pós-operatória, a translação posterior comparando-se com joelho contralateral foi entre 0-2mm em 57,1% dos pacientes e entre 3 e 5mm em 35,7% dos casos. A média da escala de Lysholm foi de 93 pontos na avaliação final. Na avaliação pelo IKDC, três pacientes tiveram grau A, 10 grau B e 1 teve grau C. Conclusões: A reconstrução artroscópica do LCP com feixe duplo baseada no posicionamento anatômico dos túneis, com tendão duplo semitendinoso e único do quadríceps, oferece redução clinicamente evidente dos sintomas e recupera satisfatoriamente a estabilidade, embora diferença significativa não tenha sido encontrada devido ao pequeno tamanho da amostra.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surgical aspects that may offer good anatomic and functional results in posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction using an autologous graft of the quadriceps tendon and double semitendinosus through a double femoral tunnel. METHODS: Fourteen patients with isolated PCL lesions, instability and pain were operated on by arthroscopy and evaluated according to the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scales. Posterior knee laxity was examined with a KT 1000 arthrometer. RESULTS: The mean postoperative posterior side-to-side difference was between 0-2 mm in 57.1% of patients and between 3 and 5 mm in 35.7% of cases. The average Lysholm score was 93 points in the final follow-up. In the IKDC evaluation, 3 patients were graded A, 10 were graded B, and 1 patient was graded C. Conclusions: Double bundle arthroscopic PCL reconstruction based on the anatomical positioning of the tunnels, with double semitendinosus tendon and single quadriceps, provides a clinically evident reduction in symptoms and restores satisfactory stability, although no statistically significant difference was found due to the small sample.

POSTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION WITH AUTOGRAFT OF THE DOUBLE SEMITENDINOSUS MUSCLES AND MIDDLE THIRD OF THE QUADRICEPS TENDON WITH DOUBLE FEMORAL AND SINGLE TIBIAL TUNNELS: CLINICAL RESULTS IN TWO YEARS FOLLOW UP.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surgical aspects that may offer good anatomic and functional results in posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction using an autologous graft of the quadriceps tendon and double semitendinosus through a double femoral tunnel. METHODS: Fourteen patients with isolated PCL lesions, instability and pain were operated on by arthroscopy and evaluated according to the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm scales. Posterior knee laxity was examined with a KT1000 arthrometer. RESULTS: The mean postoperative posterior side-to-side difference was between 0-2 mm in 57.1% of patients and between 3 and 5 mm in 35.7% of cases. The average Lysholm score was 93 points in the final follow-up. In the IKDC evaluation, 3 patients were graded A, 10 were graded B, and 1 patient was graded C. CONCLUSIONS: Double bundle arthroscopic PCL reconstruction based on the anatomical positioning of the tunnels, with double semitendinosus tendon and single quadriceps, provides a clinically evident reduction in symptoms and restores satisfactory stability, although no statistically significant difference was found due to the small sample.

REHABILITATION PROTOCOL AFTER ISOLATED POSTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION.

To create a rehabilitation protocol following reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), through a literature review. The literature review was conducted in the Medline and Embase databases, to search for data on biomechanical concepts and analyses relating to the posterior cruciate ligament of the knee. The search strategy was set up using the following rules: problem or injury in association with anatomical location terms; or surgical intervention procedure in association with rehabilitation terms. We began the process in this manner and subsequently introduced restrictions on certain terms to improve the search specificity. To design the protocol, a table was created for better data assessment, based on the time that elapsed between surgery and the start of physiotherapy. A rehabilitation protocol was created to improve weight-bearing control in the initial weeks after surgery, with the aid of a knee brace. Our aim was to achieve gains in total range of motion of the knee, which should be attained by the third month, thereby avoiding contractures resulting from the tissue healing process. Strengthening exercises and sensory-motor training were guided accordingly, thus avoiding overload on the graft and respecting the healing phases. The protocol proposed through this review was based on the current evidence relating to this subject.

Protocolo de reabilitação para as reconstruções isoladas do ligamento cruzado posterior / Rehabilitation protocol after isolated posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Elaborar um protocolo de reabilitação pós-reconstrução do ligamento cruzado posterior (LCP) através de revisão da literatura. Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura em busca de dados referentes a conceitos e estudos biomecânicos relacionados com o ligamento cruzado posterior do joelho, utilizando-se os bancos de dados Medline e Embase. A estratégia de busca foi montada com a seguinte regra: problema ou lesão, associado a termos de localização anatômica, procedimento de intervenção cirúrgica associado a termos de reabilitação. Iniciamos o processo desta forma e posteriormente realizamos restrições a termos específicos para melhorar a especificidade da busca. Para confecção do protocolo, uma tabela foi construída para melhor direcionamento dos dados, com base no tempo decorrido do procedimento cirúrgico até o início da fisioterapia. Um protocolo de reabilitação foi criado para melhor controle da descarga de peso nas primeiras semanas com o auxílio de imobilizador de joelho. Objetivamos o ganho da amplitude de movimento total do joelho, que deve ser conseguido até o terceiro mês, evitando-se, assim, contraturas resultantes do processo de cicatrização tecidual. Os exercícios de fortalecimento e treino sensório-motor foram orientados de acordo, evitando-se sobrecarga sobre o enxerto e respeitando os períodos de cicatrização do mesmo. O protocolo proposto nesta revisão foi enquadrado dentro das evidências atuais sobre o assunto.

To create a rehabilitation protocol following reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), through a literature review. The literature review was conducted in the Medline and Embase databases, to search for data on biomechanical concepts and analyses relating to the posterior cruciate ligament of the knee. The search strategy was set up using the following rules: problem or injury in association with anatomical location terms; or surgical intervention procedure in association with rehabilitation terms. We began the process in this manner and subsequently introduced restrictions on certain terms to improve the search specificity. To design the protocol, a table was created for better data assessment, based on the time that elapsed between surgery and the start of physiotherapy. A rehabilitation protocol was created to improve weight-bearing control in the initial weeks after surgery, with the aid of a knee brace. Our aim was to achieve gains in total range of motion of the knee, which should be attained by the third month, thereby avoiding contractures resulting from the tissue healing process. Strengthening exercises and sensory-motor training were guided accordingly, thus avoiding overload on the graft and respecting the healing phases. The protocol proposed through this review was based on the current evidence relating to this subject.

Estudo anatômico da inserção femoral do ligamento cruzado posterior / Femoral insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament: an anatomical study

OBJETIVO: Identificar parâmetros objetivos para guiar a correta localização do LCP no fêmur. MÉTODOS: Os LCP de 20 cadáveres humanos foram ressecados. As seguintes porções foram medidas: da porção mais distal do ligamento, próximo ao teto, até a borda da cartilagem mais anterior (AB); distância da porção mais proximal do ligamento, próximo ao teto, até a cartilagem mais anterior (AC); distância entre as duas porções do ligamento próximo ao teto (BC); distância da borda distal do ligamento na sua porção posterior até a borda articular mais posterior (D-E); distância da borda distal do ligamento na sua porção posterior até o teto intercondilar (DF); e, finalmente, o formato da inserção ligamentar e área de abrangência no côndilo femoral. RESULTADOS: O LCP tem a forma de um quarto de elipse, com área de, em média, 153,5mm². As distâncias médias encontradas foram: AB de 2,1mm; AC de 10,7mm, BC de 8,6mm, D-E de 12.4mm e DF de 16,8mm. CONCLUSÕES: A borda próxima ao teto do feixe anterolateral é mais próxima da cartilagem articular (2,1mm) comparada com o feixe posteromedial, que mede 12,4mm a partir de sua borda proximal da cartilagem. Estas referências devem ajudar em um posicionamento melhor e mais acurado dos túneis femorais na reconstrução do LCP.

OBJECTIVE: To identify objective parameters to guide correct location of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in the femur. METHODS: The PCLs of 20 human cadavers were resected. The following portions were measured: distance from the most distal portion of the PCL, close to the roof, to the most anterior edge of the cartilage (AB); distance from the most proximal portion of the PCL, close to the roof, to the most anterior cartilage (AC); distance between the two parts of the ligament close to the roof (BC); distance from the distal edge in its posterior portion, to the more posterior joint edge (DE); distance from the distal edge of the ligament in its posterior portion, to the intercondylar roof (DF); and finally, the format of the ligament insertion and area of coverage on the femoral condyle. RESULTS: The PCL has the shape of a quarter ellipse, with an average area of 153.5mm². The mean distances found were: AB of 2.1mm, AC of 10.7mm, BC of 8.6mm DE of 12.4mm and DF of 16.8mm. CONCLUSIONS: The edge close to the roof of the anterolateral bundle is closer to the joint cartilage (2.1mm) than the posteromedial bundle is, which is 12.4mm from the edge proximal to the cartilage. These references should assist in better and more accurate positioning of femoral tunnels in PCL reconstruction.

FEMORAL INSERTION OF THE POSTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT: AN ANATOMICAL STUDY.

OBJECTIVE: To identify objective parameters to guide correct location of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in the femur. METHODS: The PCLs of 20 human cadavers were resected. The following portions were measured: distance from the most distal portion of the PCL, close to the roof, to the most anterior edge of the cartilage (AB); distance from the most proximal portion of the PCL, close to the roof, to the most anterior cartilage (AC); distance between the two parts of the ligament close to the roof (BC); distance from the distal edge in its posterior portion, to the more posterior joint edge (DE); distance from the distal edge of the ligament in its posterior portion, to the intercondylar roof (DF); and finally, the format of the ligament insertion and area of coverage on the femoral condyle. RESULTS: The PCL has the shape of a quarter ellipse, with an average area of 153.5mm(2). The mean distances found were: AB of 2.1mm, AC of 10.7mm, BC of 8.6mm DE of 12.4mm and DF of 16.8mm. CONCLUSIONS: The edge close to the roof of the anterolateral bundle is closer to the joint cartilage (2.1mm) than the posteromedial bundle is, which is 12.4mm from the edge proximal to the cartilage. These references should assist in better and more accurate positioning of femoral tunnels in PCL reconstruction.

Artroplastia total do joelho com o apoio tibial móvel: avaliação dos resultados a médio prazo / Total knee arthroplasty with a mobile tibial bearing: medium-term follow-up results

OBJETIVO: Avaliações dos resultados a médio prazo da aplicação da prótese com apoio tibial móvel. MÉTODOS: Noventa e seis pacientes (107 joelhos) foram submetidos a artroplastia total do joelho realizada com um modelo de prótese com mobilidade rotatória no componente tibial. Os pacientes foram avaliados após um seguimento médio de 52,7 meses - desvio padrão 21,94 (mínimo de 24 meses e máximo de 120 meses), através do protocolo de avaliação "Knee Society Clinical Rating System" (KSCRS), com uma média de 78,22 pontos. RESULTADOS: Entre as complicações transoperatórias e pós operatórias imediatas ocorreram uma deiscência de sutura, com cura espontânea, duas fraturas de patela, uma fratura do côndilo medial do fêmur, três paresias do nervo fibular lateral e uma distrofia nervosa simpático reflexa. As complicações tardias foram uma fratura da patela, uma fratura distal do fêmur, quatro solturas assépticas e quatro infecções profundas, que necessitaram de revisão. CONCLUSÃO: Excluindo-se os casos que necessitaram de uma revisão, por soltura séptica ou asséptica, os autores concluem serem bons os resultados clínicos e funcionais obtidos com a prótese com o apoio tibial móvel num seguimento a médio prazo.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of mid-term follow up results of the application of a total knee replacement with a mobile tibial bearing design. METHODS: Ninety six patients (107 knees) were submitted to total knee Arthroplasty, performed with a model of prosthesis with rotating mobility in the tibial component. The patients were evaluated after a mean follow-up of 52.7 months - standard deviation 21.94 (minimum 24 months and maximum 120 months) through the Knee Society Clinical Rating System (KSCRS), with a mean outcome of 78.22 points. RESULTS: The complications that occurred immediately after or during the surgery included: one wound dehiscence with spontaneous healing, two patellar fractures, one fracture of the medial condyle of the femur, three peroneal nerve impairments, and one sympathetic reflex nervous distrophy. Subsequent complications were: one patellar fracture, one distal fracture of the femur, four aseptic loosenings and four deep joint infections, which required arthroplastic revisions. CONCLUSION: With the exception of the cases requiring arthroplastic revision due to septic or aseptic loosening, the authors conclude that the clinical and functional results obtained with Total Knee Replacement with a mobile bearing component, in a mid-term follow-up, were good.

A new fixation material for open-wedge tibial osteotomy for genu varum.

Varus deformity of the knee is a determining factor in the development of osteoarthrosis of the medial compartment. Open wedge osteotomy corrects the deformity and has quickly become popular due to the fact that the surgical technique can be easily reproduced, it spares loss of bone tissue in the metaphysiary region, and it does not require muscle dissection, reducing the risk of lesion of the fibular nerve. The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of a new fixation implant (Anthony-K plate - France Bloc S.A, CE n0499, ISO 9001, EN 46001), in terms of its clinical improvement, correction of the deformity, and slope alteration. Twenty adult patients with varus deformity were evaluated, and submitted to open wedge high tibial osteotomy using the Anthony plate, between October 2004 and November 2006. The varus deformity was corrected in all cases, and there was a significant increase in the Lysholm score. Correlation analysis has shown that the greater the preoperative varus deformity, the larger the opening wedge used. Also, the greater the initial posterior tibial slope, the larger the final posterior tibial slope (p=0.0168). There were no complications. The Anthony plate can be considered an alternative in the treatment of medial osteoarthrosis of the varus knee, enabling the correction of the deformity and improvement of the clinical picture. It occurs an increase in posterior tibial slope, similar to that observed with other fixation materials. More studies with the Anthony plate are necessary, after these encouraging results.